Costa Rica

The Best Authentic Experiences in Costa Rica

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Taking a Night Tour in a Tropical Forest: Most neotropical forest dwellers are nocturnal, so nighttime tours are offerred at rainforest and cloud-forest destinations throughout the country. Some of the better spots for night tours are Monteverde, Tortuguero, and Drake Bay.

Soaking in a Volcanic Hot Spring: Costa Rica's volcanoes have blessed the country with a host of natural hot springs spots. From the opulent grandeur of Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resortto the more humble options around Rincon la Vieja to the remote hot river pools at Rio Perdido, mineral-rich, soothing hot pools are waiting to soothe what ails you.

Spotting a Resplendent Quetzal: The iridescent colors and long, flowing tail feathers of this aptly named bird are breathtaking. The rare species is regularly spotted at Monteverde Cloud Forest Natural Reserve and the San Gerardo de Dota region.

Meeting Monkeys: Costa Rica's rain and cloud forests are home to four species of New World monkeys—howlers, capuchin, squirrel and spider. Your odds are very good of seeing one or more of them if you visit Monteverde, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio of the Osa Peninsula.

Playing a Pickup Football (Soccer) Game: You’ll find informal, friendly fútbol matches all across the country. You can head to La Sabana Park and find one just about any weekend or afternoon. Or just jump into a game on the beach, with some simple sticks stuck in the sand as goal posts.

Touring a Coffee Plantation: World-renowned and highly coveted, Costa Rican coffee can be enjoyed at the source all across the country. Peek inside the cup with a coffee tour—they’re offered around the Central Valley, outside Monteverde, and elsewhere.

Help a Hatchling Reach the Sea: During various months throughout the year, multiple species of sea turtles arrive on beaches on both coasts of Costa Rica to lay their eggs. After hatching, the baby turtles face enormous odds in reaching the sea in places such as Las Baulas National Marine and Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, though volunteers around the country help ensure that they do.

Visit a Feria: On Saturdays, a vast network of rural farmers markets comes alive in every part of Costa Rica. There’s a brilliant display of colorful fruits and vegetables, local foods, and often live music. Some of the more interesting ferias occur in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Guapiles, and San Jose’s Feria Verde de Aranjuez.

Eating at a Soda: Costa Rica’s traditional, ubiquitous, and relatively cheap sodas are simple, family-run restaurants serving local standards. You’ll find them just about everywhere. Order gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast and try the casado (a mixed plate with your choice of meat) or a gallo (the Costa Rican version of a taco) for lunch or dinner.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.